Prayer and Repentance are Keys to Revival
We have learned that true intercessory prayer is directed by God. In other words, we need to pray from God's list and not our lists. Jesus showed us that prayer is about God's kingdom and God's will. Thus, we must spend much time in prayer listening to what God is saying to us.
God specifically directed us to pray at the Emancipation Oak in Hampton, Virginia, on August 20, 2006. There He asks us to repent for the corporate sins of our nation and for our own sins as well. Just as Daniel prayed for Israel so were we to pray for America. God requires intercessory prayer before He will move. He wants to renew His covenant with America more than we do. The number of people praying is not as important as the fervency of the prayers.
"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Your prayers are very much needed and are equally as important. Listen to what God is saying to you and where He is directing you. Please share with us what God is speaking. If you would like to use the convenient form below to share what the Spirit is saying we would appreciate it. Or email us at revivaloutreach@gmail.com. He who has ears let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. If you are interested in the specifics of what God directed us the pray at the Emancipation Oak press here.
PRAYER & MEDITATION (from the prayer journal of Jeanne Brown)
Ephesians 6:10-20.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the way of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done every thing to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
NOTE: As an intercessor always ask the LORD to help you to “put on” the armor of God. Read scripture, pray, give God time to respond (meditate).
Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
NOTE: Jews put ashes on their heads when fasting. But Jesus told them to maintain their regular appearance. Fasting should not be done in an ostentatious way.On days when we come together to intercede we should put God first. Attempt to keep your body and mind under subjection by limiting intake of food and fluids (other than water). It is always great to eat and drink within limits after prayer.
Luke 18:11-14
Jesus said: "The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and five a tenth of all I get.”“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me a sinner.”“I tell you that this man, rather that the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
NOTE: Jesus tells us to be quiet about how we exercise our love for him. The passage from Matthew tells us to not be showy and this one from Luke says do not “shout” about our efforts.